Research Associate

Job reference: BMH-031542
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 15/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 12 months
School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

Job Title: Research Associate (Grade 6)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a translational research project focused on developing a mammalian-produced, bioactive BMP13 (GDF6) reagent for intervertebral disc and cartilage repair. You will work at the interface of regenerative medicine, protein science and industry collaboration within a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering experimental studies to support development of bioactive BMP13 for regenerative medicine applications
• Optimising mammalian expression systems, construct design and protein processing to enhance yield and activity
• Conducting protein analysis and bioactivity testing using biochemical and functional assays
• Analysing and interpreting experimental data, maintaining accurate records and contributing to reproducible research practices
• Collaborating with academic and industrial partners and contributing to reports, publications and dissemination activities

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology or regenerative medicine
• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, construct design)
• Experience with protein analysis methods (e.g. SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA)
• Strong data analysis, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex experimental workflows
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in mammalian expression optimisation or protein purification and downstream processing
• Familiarity with advanced analytical or biophysical techniques (e.g. HPLC, mass spectrometry)
• Experience working on translational or industry-linked research projects
• Experience contributing to publications, funding applications or collaborative research outputs
• Experience supporting or mentoring students or junior colleagues

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/ . You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/ 

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905. 

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Dr Stephen Richardson
Email Address: s.richardson@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk 

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home 

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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